Announcements & Updates

Notice to parents:

The deadline to submit student applications for enrollment in a Choice district in 2015-16 was Dec. 1, 2014, however some districts may be accepting late applications and will add them to their waitlist. Each district must be contacted directly to find out if it has openings. Choice district applications are available on each district's website and must be submitted directly to the desired districts. To find a listing of Choice districts for enrollment in 2015-2016, please visit ourwebsite map.

The deadline to submit student applications for enrollment in 2016-17 will be posted on the Choice website in the fall (Sept or Oct), along with a listing of all participating Choice districts, a description of their programs and their available choice seats.

Interdistrict Public School Choice Program

New Jersey's Interdistrict Public School Choice Program enables approved choice districts to enroll K-12th grade students who do not reside within their districts without cost to their parents. The program increases educational opportunities for students and their families by providing students with school options outside of their district of residence and giving parents the power to select a school program that best serves their child's individual needs.

District participation in the program is optional. Once approved, the choice district designates the available seats in specific grades and programs that are open to choice students. Where choice options are available, any student who resides in New Jersey is eligible to apply.

There are currently 132 participating Choice Districts for the 2015-16 school year.

Benefits of the Program

The Public School Choice Program benefits students and parents, as well as the choice districts. Choice programs might have smaller class sizes, increased instructional time, and a school culture more conducive to a student's success in school. Many choice districts have established specialized and innovative programs and courses that focus on areas such as art, music, foreign languages, and technology, and are open to students who demonstrate an interest in the special programs. Opening enrollment to students outside the district can bring in more students interested in taking advantage of these special programs and courses, allowing both the programs and students to grow and flourish.

The state also has many small districts and schools that sometimes experience population shifts that result in budget crunches. Opening enrollment beyond the district's boundaries can alleviate the effects of these shifts and bring greater stability to operations, since choice students bring additional funding to the district. The addition of students with different backgrounds and perspectives from those of the district's resident students also can enrich the school community.